IRISH EYES ARE SMILING

Put on your green and get ready for an action-packed St. Patrick’s Day weekend

March 17, 2012 Vista, CA. USA | Vista held it’s first annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival on Saturday, despite the inclement weather. A group of women called the Shameless Shamrocks, danced for the judges in the reviewing stand as they marched in the parade. | Mandatory photo credit: Peggy Peattie/U-T San Diego/ZUMA Press; Copyright U-T San Diego

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March 17, 2012 Vista, CA. USA | Vista held it’s first annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival on Saturday, despite the inclement weather. A group of women called the Shameless Shamrocks, danced for the judges in the reviewing stand as they marched in the parade. | Mandatory photo credit: Peggy Peattie/U-T San Diego/ZUMA Press; Copyright U-T San Diego

Zane Patrick’s Day at McFadden’s San Diego

Saturday

Zane Lamprey from “Drinking Made Easy” — the TV show that travels the country in search of the best drinks and pubs — is back on the road for the fourth annual Zane Patrick’s Day. Lamprey and Steve McKenna (along with stuffed drinking buddy Pleepleus) will host an open bar accompanied by a live Irish band. There’s also a costume contest, drinking games and an Irish dance-off. 1 to 5 p.m. McFadden’s San Diego, 731 Fifth Ave., downtown. General admission: $75 advance, $85 at the door (cash only). VIP: $150 (includes an extra hour of open bar).
drinkingmadeeasy.com

Irish 4 a Day Party Hop at various locations downtown

Saturday

This massive “party hop” will send Club VIP Passport holders through 20 participating hot spots in the Gaslamp Quarter. For 12 hours, you can explore the best in local night life, which will include drink specials, an opening and closing party, and additional VIP perks. 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Gaslamp Quarter. $29 advance, $40 at the door from Brick + Mortar.
irish4aday.com

ShamROCK 2013 in the Gaslamp Quarter

Sunday

Take your jig to the 18th annual ShamROCK Block Party, held downtown at Sixth Avenue between E and G streets, F Street between Fifth and Seventh avenues, and G Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Party perks include three stages of live entertainment with Irish band the Young Dubliners and local DJs. Plus: Irish River Dancers, a 150-foot Irish Pub and more than 20,000 high-energy locals. 2 p.m. to midnight. Gaslamp Quarter. General admission: $35 advance, $45 at the door. VIP: $55 advance, $65 at the door.
sandiegoshamrock.com

Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival at Balboa Park

Saturday

The 33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will head up Fifth Avenue to Upas Street, and then return down Sixth Avenue to Juniper Street starting at 10:30 a.m. The community is welcome to watch marching bands, floats, bagpipers, representatives from Ireland and the reigning Miss Colleen march by. After the parade, the Irish Festival rejoices in all things green at Balboa Park with two stages, beer gardens and a kids’ zone. Festival 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Parade at 10:30 a.m. Balboa Park. Free.
stpatsparade.org

St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run at Mission Bay Park

Saturday

Start your St. Patty’s weekend on the right foot with the 33rd annual St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run. Taking place at Mission Bay Park, the event includes an after-party with Domino’s Pizza and craft beer from Stone Brewing Co. and Ballast Point. Race 7:45 a.m. Registration at 6:30 a.m. Mission Bay Park. Adult 10K: $38.
kathyloperevents.com/stpatrick

North County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in downtown Vista

Saturday

The second annual North County St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will feature a slew of floats competing for prizes such as Best 30-Second Performance and Best Irish Theme. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in downtown Vista, and the festival will extend the fun until 4 p.m. with a craft beer garden from Aztec Brewing Co. and a concert by Grand Marshal Celia Lawley, a Celtic fiddler. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historic Downtown Vista. Free.
northcountystpatricksdayparade.com

In Case Trio St. Patrick’s Day Sing-a-Long at Jimmy Love’s

Sunday

Mike Reidy, Bill Hall and Noel Hall of the In Case Trio return to Jimmy Love’s this St. Patrick’s Day for a final singalong. For more than 40 years, the three have been fixtures at local Irish events, carrying on a tradition and legacy that stirs crowds to join in the festivities. 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jimmy Love’s, 672 Fifth Ave., downtown.

Whether you’re of Irish descent or just in it for the green beer, on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is entitled to celebrate in signature shamrock style. This year, test your Irish luck, indulge in some leprechaun shenanigans (i.e. whiskey) or at least flaunt that green T-shirt that’s been sitting idle since last year.